Prabowo questions use of 'rascal' in speech, urges national unity

President Prabowo Subianto playfully questioned the use of the word 'bajingan' during a national cooperative event, turning to Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti for an answer. The moment occurred as Prabowo discussed political dynamics marked by conflict.

“

Can the President say 'bajingan'? Can he? I'm not asking you all, I'm asking the Minister of Education.

"Can the President say 'bajingan'? Can he? I'm not asking you all, I'm asking the Minister of Education," Prabowo said, pointing to Mu'ti, who responded with laughter. Prabowo then suggested the word wasn't harsh, explaining it as an expression of his spirit and referencing its Betawi origins. "I was born in Betawi, so forgive me if my Betawi words come out. Sorry, mate. Is this the cooperative's anniversary or the start of a campaign?"

Earlier in his speech, Prabowo had called for national unity, urging all Indonesians to move past mutual insults, hatred, and mistrust. "Let us return to the nature of the Indonesian people, which is to forgive each other, understand each other, love each other, help each other, don't follow the culture of cursing, envy, the culture of suspicion," he stated.

“

I was born in Betawi, so forgive me if my Betawi words come out. Sorry, mate. Is this the cooperative's anniversary or the start of a campaign?

He emphasized that a nation cannot succeed if trapped in conflict, asserting that differences in ethnicity or political choices should never be grounds for animosity. The president's remarks, blending humor with a serious call for unity, aimed to address the divisive political climate.

“

Let us return to the nature of the Indonesian people, which is to forgive each other, understand each other, love each other, help each other, don't follow the culture of cursing, envy, the culture of suspicion.